What sportscar should I buy?

Dominic is looking for a fun-driving car that is just a bit unique.

What sportscar should I buy?

14 May 2014Cameron McGavin

The dilemma

Dominic is looking for a fun-driving car that is just a bit unique and ­hopefully reliable as well. That latter priority is tempting him towards a BMW 125i Coupe but he’s also considering an older Z4 Coupe (either 3.0-litre or M version). Or maybe even a Porsche 911 – ideally the 993 series of the early 1990s or, more realistically, its 996 successor.

The budget

About $45,000

The shortlist

We’d happily drive into the sunset in a 993-series 911 but, as Dom suspects, a really good one will be tough at this budget. The rorty Z4 M Coupe falls into the same category.

So, more realistically, we’re looking at the 125i, 996-series 911 and Z4 3.0 Coupe, all of which are achievable at this budget and more than adequately satisfy Dom’s basic criteria.

Even so, a little tinkering could improve the 1-Series’ prospects markedly and there’s another Porsche that might deliver a greater dose of the certainty he craves.

While the BMW 1-Series coupe doesn't provide as much sheer driving pleasure as its rivals, it is the best allrounder.

With both of these suggestions also cannibalising many of the Z4 Coupe’s crucial points of difference, we might also substitute that BMW for an alternative that sings a genuinely different tune from the $45,000 used sports-car songbook.

2008-14 BMW BMW 1-Series Coupe, from $29,970*

The 125i is a great baseline for this contest, delivering a strong serve of driving appeal and the only four-seat functionality of this group.

Being able to potentially buy a 2013 example endows it with stronger reliability prospects than the older Z4s and 911s that populate this price range, even before you factor in it’s a less focused, less finicky package to begin with.

In this hard-edged company, though, the 125i is also a bit soft, which is why its turbocharged 135i sibling might be worth considering. It’s fast, furious and – while you’ll have to sacrifice some keys and factory warranty – will still be fresher and cheaper on the upkeep than a more hard-core European serious sporty.

2009-on Nissan 370Z, from $36,080*

This Japanese contender wears a badge that Euro snobs will find unbecoming but it couldn’t be more serious in how it performs and eats up the corners.

The 370Z also delivers strong value on the used-car lot (we’ve seen 2012 models for this money) and has a reputation for being pretty robust and affordable to run, though fuel, tyres and brakes can bump up the outgoings if you’re constantly into it.

In terms of generating big-time thrills for minimum cost and hassle, and more gear than the Euros, the Zed is a big success. But the big V6’s gravelly feel, the chunky gearshift and occasionally crude ride show it’s not entirely a cut-price miracle.

2006-13 Porsche Cayman, from $44,120*

This Porsche isn’t a million miles from a 911, whether it’s the looks, the gorgeous engine sound or its deadly serious braking and handling.

Indeed, with its engine mounted midship rather than hanging off the back, it might even shade its bigger brother in the latter department because it’s easier, more foolproof to drive.

More significantly perhaps, you can target examples many years newer than a 996 at this budget – a big plus for cars that need religious servicing and are far from inexpensive to rectify should something go wrong.

Down sides? Well, only the bigger engined S offers truly invigorating performance and that model could test the budget. The loss of the 911’s back seat might not be an issue given Dom was pondering a two-seat Z4 anyway.

If it all comes down to driving thrills and to hell with money, then the Cayman is hard to discount. It’s head and shoulders above its competitors in how it drives and a more than worthy alternative to a similarly priced 911.

If, however, a quest for motoring enjoyment must co-habit with a strict budget then the Nissan bumps into the spotlight. It’s not as polished or as good as the Porsche but serves up plenty of thrills and won’t send you to the poorhouse.

The BMW, contrastingly, doesn’t cater to the extremes so well as its rivals. But given it matches the Zed for driving fun while being more polished and functional, and is better value and asks less commitment of its buyer than the Porsche, it’s this contest's best all-rounder and a worthy candidate for the outright laurels.

* Values are estimates provided by Glass’s Guide based on an example averaging up to 20,000 kilometres a year and in a well-maintained condition relevant to its age.